Willow Creek Fish Stocking
Utah · 1987–2022 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Willow Creek was last stocked October 17, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Willow Creek has 44 stocking records on file, spanning 1987–2022, with about 275,488 fish stocked over that period.
When Willow Creek is stocked
Willow Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in June — 17 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Willow Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Willow Creek, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Willow Creek was last stocked October 17, 2022, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Utah freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Utah license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Utah fish & wildlife agency.Official Utah regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Willow Creek:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Recommended Tackle for Willow Creek
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Willow Creek, freshest activity first.
Strawberry Reservoir
5 miWASATCH County · 4 species · 4147 records
Last stocked June 2026
Currant Creek
6 miWASATCH County · 2 species · 149 records
Last stocked June 2026
Trout Creek Main Fork
7 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked October 2008
Mud Creek
10 mi4 species · 21 records
Last stocked October 2008
Coop Creek
11 mi3 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 1997
Chipman Creek
8 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 1997
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 17, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,103 | 2.18" | Utah DWR |
| October 25, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,050 | 4.47" | Utah DWR |
| October 21, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,002 | 2.22" | Utah DWR |
| June 5, 2000 | Kokanee | 23,206 | 3.91" | Utah DWR |
| May 1, 2000 | Kokanee | 37,250 | 2.9" | Utah DWR |
| August 3, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 74,375 | 1.92" | Utah DWR |
| July 28, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 60,830 | 1.73" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 1997 | Kokanee | 4,600 | 2.52" | Utah DWR |
Show 36 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 1997 | Kokanee | 4,600 | 2.52" | Utah DWR |
| October 8, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 369 | 2.06" | Utah DWR |
| October 8, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 185 | 2.06" | Utah DWR |
| June 10, 1996 | Kokanee | 6,850 | 2.99" | Utah DWR |
| November 7, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 198 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| November 7, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 69 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| November 7, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 10 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| November 7, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 198 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| November 7, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 69 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| November 7, 1995 | Cutthroat Trout | 10 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| June 14, 1995 | Kokanee | 2,015 | 2.92" | Utah DWR |
| June 14, 1995 | Kokanee | 2,015 | 2.92" | Utah DWR |
| May 10, 1994 | Kokanee | 481 | 2.37" | Utah DWR |
| October 12, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,247 | 2.2" | Utah DWR |
| June 18, 1993 | Cutthroat Trout | 205 | 6.91" | Utah DWR |
| June 10, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,507 | 5.15" | Utah DWR |
| October 8, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 12,075 | 4.15" | Utah DWR |
| October 8, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 12,075 | 4.15" | Utah DWR |
| October 8, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 12,075 | 4.15" | Utah DWR |
| June 11, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,535 | 5.21" | Utah DWR |
| October 22, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 106 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| October 22, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 106 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| October 22, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 106 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 6.94" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 97 | 7.18" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 48 | 7.18" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 1991 | Cutthroat Trout | 299 | 7.18" | Utah DWR |
| June 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,519 | 4.99" | Utah DWR |
| November 19, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 289 | 9.82" | Utah DWR |
| November 16, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 97 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| November 14, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 202 | 2.87" | Utah DWR |
| November 14, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 94 | 2.87" | Utah DWR |
| June 5, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4.97" | Utah DWR |
| June 6, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,509 | 4.79" | Utah DWR |
| June 21, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,062 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| August 26, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 5.15" | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Willow Creek last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Willow Creek was last stocked October 17, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Willow Creek?
Willow Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Willow Creek stocked?
Willow Creek is typically stocked in fall, most often in June.
How often is Willow Creek stocked?
Willow Creek has been stocked about 1 times a year — 44 recorded stockings between 1987 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Willow Creek?
About 275,488 fish have been stocked in Willow Creek across 44 recorded events since 1987, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Willow Creek?
Fish stocked in Willow Creek average about 3.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Willow Creek?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Utah freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Utah fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Willow Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Willow Creek typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.